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The government has decided to cremate former Speaker Damannath Dhungana with state honors.

A Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence, Baluwatar, this morning decided to cremate Dhungana with state honors and grant a public holiday today to mourn his demise, informed Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung. 

"It has been decided to declare a public holiday today in honor of former Speaker Dhungana and hoist the national flag at half-mast at all government offices at home and abroad throughout the day", Gurung said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been assigned the responsibility for the management of the state honor.

The meeting appreciated the role played by former Speaker Dhungana in streamlining Nepal's parliamentary system, Spokesperson Gurung said that showing self-respect to the late Dhungana's integrity and ideals would be a true tribute to him.

The meeting expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Dhungana and paid tribute and extended condolences to the aggrieved family members.

Dhungana breathed his last on November 17 (Sunday) at the age of 83 while undergoing treatment at Frontline Hospital in Baneshwor.

Human rights activist and civil society leader Dhungana had been undergoing treatment for liver-related problems for some time. He will be cremated today itself.

The mortal remains of former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana is to be kept in Sanogaucharan, Gyaneshwor from 11 am this morning for homage.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, leaders of various political parties and people from different walks of life will reach there to pay final tribute to Dhungana.

Former Speaker Dhungana who had been undergoing treatment for liver-related problems for some time, died on Sunday afternoon at the age of 83 at the Frontline Hospital in Baneshwor. Dhungana's body was then kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.

Dhungana's body will be cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat, after paying homage at Sanogaucharan, his family sources informed.

Meanwhile, Speaker Devraj Ghimire has drawn the government's attention to make arrangements for the last rites of former Speaker Dhungana with state honors.

Dhungana, who has been a lifelong advocate for multi-party system, democracy, peace and human rights in Nepal, also played an important role in restoring peace by ending the armed conflict in the country.

He was an expert on the constitution and the law, who always remained vocal against political anomalies and aberrations.

He became the Speaker in 2048 BS after being elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Kathmandu constituency-2. He has made a great contribution in institutionalizing Nepal's parliamentary system and democratic values.

He was established as the second-generation leader of the Nepali Congress who stood firm on principles, integrity, self-respect and morality and facilitated for resolving political disputes through national unity and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, a Cabinet meeting held this morning decided to give a public holiday today.  

Former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana passed away today at the age of 83.

He breathed his last in the course of the treatment at Baneshwor-based Frontline Hospital at 1:30 am, according to Dhungana's private secretary Dr Rudra Sharma.

Dungana, also the senior advocate, was battling with liver-related issues for some time.

He was elected the House of Representative (HoR) member from the Kathmandu electoral constituency-2 during the 2048 BS (1992) general elections, representing the Nepali Congress.

He served as the HoR Speaker from 2048 to 2051 BS.

Dhungana, who contributed significantly to the country's democratic movement, was jailed time and again by the Panchayati rulers during his political career. He is survived by his spouse, a daughter, and two sons.

His last rites will be conducted tomorrow, Monday. 

Shiva Sharan Maharjan of the CPN (Maoist Center) filed his nomination for the post of mayor in Kirtipur Municipality.

He filed his candidacy for the local level by-election to be held on December 1.

Similarly, Narayan Bista filed his nomination for the post of chairman in Kirtipur Municipality-4.

The party, however, extended support to Saral Gopal of the Janata Samajbadi Party in ward 1.